{"id":607487,"date":"2026-04-26T13:29:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T13:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/607487\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T13:29:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T13:29:15","slug":"expansion-excellence-and-preseason-power-wnba-2026-kicks-off-with-a-bang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/607487\/","title":{"rendered":"Expansion Excellence and Preseason Power: WNBA 2026 Kicks Off with a Bang"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n \t Read Time:3 Minute, 21 Second <\/p>\n

The WNBA preseason<\/a> officially moved into high gear, featuring high-scoring affairs across the country. While the regular season doesn\u2019t tip off until May 8, Saturday\u2019s slate provided a thrilling glimpse into the new-look league, which now includes the\u00a0Toronto Tempo\u00a0and Portland Fire.<\/p>\n

Here is your recap of the action from a busy Saturday across the W.<\/p>\n

1. A Historic Debut: Golden State Valkyries 78, Seattle Storm 76<\/p>\n

The game of the night in the WNBA took place at a rocking Chase Center, where the Golden State Valkyrie and the Seattle Storm played a back-and-forth thriller. The Valkyries edged out the Seattle Storm to secure a win in their preseason opener.<\/p>\n

The Stars: Golden State was led by the duo of Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah, who each chipped in 14 points. Burton\u2019s poise down the stretch proved to be the difference for the newcomers.
\nThe Storm: Seattle was led by Zia Cooke and Rickea Johnson, who both finished with 12 points. Despite a strong first quarter from Jade Melbourne, the Storm couldn\u2019t overcome a late surge from the Valkyries\u2019 bench.
\nThe Atmosphere: A near-sellout crowd in San Francisco signaled that the Valkyries will continue to be one of the league\u2019s most popular tickets.<\/p>\n

2. Fever Burn Bright in Brooklyn: Indiana 109, New York 91<\/p>\n

In a clash of Eastern Conference titans, the Indiana Fever put on an offensive clinic<\/a> at the Barclays Center, dismantling the New York Liberty.<\/p>\n

The Attack: Veteran Kelsey Mitchell and newly signed guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough torched the Liberty defense for 18 points each.
\nThe \u201cCaitlin\u201d Factor: While Caitlin Clark played limited minutes as the team managed her workload, she looked sharp early, tallying 7 points in the first quarter.
\nRookie Watch: Fever rookie Raven Johnson controlled the tempo beautifully, leading all players with 8 assists in her professional debut.<\/p>\n

3. Shootout in Sioux Falls: Phoenix Mercury 108, Chicago Sky 104<\/p>\n

The Sanford Pentagon in South Dakota played host to the highest-scoring game of the night. The Phoenix Mercury outlasted the Chicago Sky in a game that felt more like a mid-season battle than a preseason tune-up.<\/p>\n

Mercury Rising: Phoenix showed off their depth, with four players in double figures. Their veteran core seems rejuvenated under the 2026 roster rules.
\nSky High: Chicago\u2019s offense looked potent, but defensive lapses in the fourth quarter allowed Phoenix to pull away in the final minutes. Hailey Van Lith led the way off the bench with 20 points.<\/p>\n

4. Defensive Masterclass: Minnesota Lynx 77, Washington Mystics 66<\/p>\n

While other teams were racing to 100 points, the Minnesota Lynx used a stifling defensive effort to grind out a road win at CareFirst Arena.<\/p>\n

The Lockdown: Minnesota held Washington to just 34% shooting from the floor and just seven third-quarter points.
\nThe Edge: The Lynx\u2019s bench outscored the Mystics\u2019 reserves 32\u201314, proving that Minnesota\u2019s depth might be their biggest weapon heading into the regular season.<\/p>\n

The \u201cNew Era\u201d Note<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Sparks also hosted an exhibition against the Nigerian\u00a0National Team, winning 89\u201363. Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 22 points, and rookie Ta\u2019Niya Latson had seven points, five rebounds, and six assists in her WNBA debut. LA shot 20-21 from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line: With two new expansion teams and a talent pool<\/a> deeper than ever before, the 2026 WNBA season is shaping up to be the biggest in league history. If Saturday\u2019s \u201cpreseason\u201d intensity was any indication, the regular season opener on May 8 cannot get here soon enough.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s Scoreboard<\/p>\n

Matchup
\nFinal Score
\nTop Performer<\/p>\n

Indiana @ New York
\nIND 109, NY 91
\nKelsey Mitchell (18 PTS)<\/p>\n

Seattle @ Golden State
\nGS 78, SEA 76
\nVeronica Burton (14 PTS, 3 AST)<\/p>\n

Chicago @ Phoenix
\nPHX 108, CHI 104
\nHailey Van Lith (20 PTS)<\/p>\n

Minnesota @ Washington
\nMIN 77, WAS 66
\nLauren Betts (13 PTS, 5 REB)<\/p>\n

Nigerian National @ LA Sparks
\nLAS 89, USA 63
\n\u00a0Kelsery Plum (22 PTS)<\/p>\n

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Author Profile\"Ralph<\/p>\n

Ralph Garcia
\nCEO NGSC Sports<\/p>\n

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